Which statement about evidence-based practice is true?

• A. Research findings always lead to changes in clinical practice.
• B. Evidence-based practice relies only on clinical experience.
• C. Evidence-based practice ignores patient preferences.
• D. Evidence-based practice integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.

Answer: (D)

Evidence-based practice means making clinical decisions by weaving together the best available research with your own clinical judgment and the patient’s values and preferences. The statement that best fits this approach is the one that says it integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. Research findings by themselves don’t automatically change practice—context, study quality, and applicability matter. Clinical expertise helps interpret and apply evidence to the individual patient, while patient preferences ensure decisions align with their goals and values. The other options miss one or more of these elements, such as relying only on research, relying only on experience, or ignoring patient preferences.